the beginning

outside Jon's condo, leaving for amtrak.
see all photos »

9.13.06 9:19pm

Atlanta, GA Amtrak train station

As I was heading down to the tracks, I was waiting anxiously for someone to yell, “All aboard!”

I stepped into the Atlanta Amtrak station and found a smaller building than I expected. But really, when I think about it, for the number of people traveling, it doesn’t need to be big. Jon came with me as I checked in and although I didn’t want to, I checked my clothes backpack. I said goodbye to Jon sent my camp pillow back with him. The whole experience was great, as I had no clue as to the protocol in train stations. I tried to call forth all my experience spent in an airport in order to act like I knew what I was doing. I love that feeling of clueless ness that comes in new situations. However, I managed to wait patiently and not stare too long at too many people until boarding was called.

one shot of the best looking part of the Atlanta amtrak station.
see all photos »

As I was heading down to the tracks, I was waiting anxiously for someone to yell, “All aboard!” and rattle off a number of stations to which I could travel. Nothing. I finally found the car for the coach passengers, and as I was waiting in line, a conductor (I guess that’s his title) started yelling off stations, and I knew my trip had begun.

I climb on board, get assigned a seat, and head down the rows exactly like an airplane, and the familiarity brought some comfort. I took me seat on the aisle(much to my disappointment) and settled in. From the moment I entered the train I was a kid in a candy store, eyes like saucers trying desperately to observe all that was around me, all I’m supposed to do, and what was going on, so I didn’t miss anything. I immediately introduced myself to the women, who would potentially be my train buddy for 12 hours or more. I learned that Ellene was traveling back to New York, after visiting her son for the past two weeks in Georgia. She is retired, and lives with her daughter, a RN. I confessed my naivety to train travel and she told me it was her second time traveling, and it was going to be a long trip. I laughed and said, I suppose it will.

another shot. This station was tiny, and dirty, but it got the job done, and the ceiling was nice.
see all photos »

I’m also sitting across from a very eccentric, and inquisitive old man. He makes me laugh.

Now we are traveling smoothly, and I’m enjoying the slight jostling of the train and the sounds of the wheels along the tracks. I’ve learned that there are many stops between here and D.C. so I’m looking forward to those, though I probably won’t get off. It seems very personal, as there is a conductor(again I don’t know the man’s title, this will be a small knowledge mission) to give all announcements instead of an intercom. I like it. Speaking of which he’s making one now. So that’s all for now. We’ll see what adventures Ellene and I encounter farther down the tracks.

walking along the train to find my car. I like the blurryness
see all photos »

“Here is life, an experiment to a great extent untried by me.” - Thoreau